Most deputy manager roles in residential care feel like you're firefighting between staff issues and compliance boxes. This one is different: you'll actually lead a team that's trusted to deliver outstanding care, work Monday to Friday with your weekends back, and grow into a leadership role that means something. If you've got 2+ years in a children's home and want to step up without the burnout, this is it
You'll walk into a home that takes Ofsted seriously but doesn't let regulations run the show. Your job is to support the Registered Manager in keeping everything compliant with the home Regulations and Quality Standards, but the real work is coaching your team to think like professionals who put each child's voice first. You'll supervise staff, guide them through probation and induction, and create a culture where reflective practice and accountability aren't buzzwords but how people actually work
The children here have complex needs, trauma, and challenging behaviour. That's exactly why they need a deputy manager who understands that safeguarding isn't a tick-box: it's about building a team with genuine professional curiosity who spot risks early and escalate appropriately. You'll be part of multi-agency planning, attending reviews with local authorities and health providers, and knowing that you helped keep these young people safe and moving forward
This provider invests in its leaders. You'll start with a Level 3 Diploma and work towards your Level 5 in Leadership & Management while you're actually doing the job. If you're already PACE trained or have a social work background, even better. The progression opportunities are real, and they're yours to grab
What you will be doing
- Support the Registered Manager in ensuring the home meets the home Regulations, Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations; contribute to action plans and help prepare for inspections
- Supervise, coach, and appraise your team so their practice consistently meets Ofsted standards; manage staff induction, probation, and professional development
- Maintain safeguarding culture by promoting professional curiosity among staff, escalating concerns appropriately, and keeping detailed records in line with Working Together guidance
- Work with the Registered Manager on care planning, reviewing individual plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support so the child's voice stays central to every decision
- Build partnerships with local authorities, schools, health providers, and safeguarding teams; attend multi-agency meetings and young people's reviews
- Keep accurate records, complete incident logs and safeguarding files, and maintain GDPR compliance across the home
Why you will love working here
- Monday to Friday rota with your weekends genuinely free: no shift rotation, no surprises
- Performance bonus and TOIL to reward you for the work you put in, plus access to Bright Exchange, Blue Light Card, and team days so there's a real culture beyond the job
- Structured progression: start with Level 3 and grow into Level 5 Leadership & Management with the support and time to study while you work
- Lead a team that actually gets training, professional development, and space to reflect and improve, not just ticking boxes
- Work for a provider committed to 'Good' or 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings and genuinely child-focused care, where compliance serves the young people, not the other way around
Is this you?
- You've got at least 2 years working in a children's home or residential childcare setting in a senior role, and you understand what Ofsted actually looks for
- You hold a Level 3 Diploma in your field and you're willing to work towards a Level 5 in Leadership & Management while you're in post
- You've supervised or managed staff before, and you know how to create a culture where people are accountable and reflective about their practice
- Safeguarding legislation, the home Regulations, and Quality Standards aren't mysteries to you; you've worked with them on the ground
- You can write and speak clearly so that staff understand you, young people trust you, and multi-agency partners respect you
- Ideally you're PACE trained, or you have a social work qualification, or you've worked with young people with trauma and complex needs using therapeutic approaches
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.